Joint statement on the ongoing situation in Turkey

Written by Gail Birkett on 28 July 2016.

A Joint Statement on the Ongoing Situation in Turkey

As professional associations of social scientists in various disciplines, some of which have members in Turkey, the organizations listed below are deeply concerned about recent reports of infringements of academic freedom in Turkey, in particular in the aftermath of the recent attempt at a coup d’état. These reports refer, amongst other things, to the dismissal of over 1500 university deans and professors, and to a ban on foreign travel for all academics in Turkey. We do not want to interfere in domestic Turkish politics, but we can and must speak out when academic freedom is at risk. Academic freedom is vital for all disciplines, but particularly so for scholars studying social and political developments. We call on the Turkish political authorities to take all possible steps to guarantee that our members, affiliates, and other academics are allowed to continue their scholarly work without interference. Meanwhile we offer our sympathy and support to our Turkish members/affiliates and other academics in Turkey.